Simple Creamy Cajun Chicken

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

Bring a touch of restaurant-style flavor to your table in 30 minutes with this Cajun chicken meal. It’s a cozy mix of pasta and chicken simmered in a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for any busy night!

Sarah
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 23:31:53 GMT
Rich and creamy pasta with chicken pieces, rigatoni, and fresh parsley on top. Pin
Rich and creamy pasta with chicken pieces, rigatoni, and fresh parsley on top. | chefmiarecipes.com

Quick Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This single-pan miracle has saved my evening meals countless times. When juicy chicken chunks meet pasta soaked in fiery cream sauce, nobody waits for a dinner call. The greatest thing? Everything cooks together, cutting my cleanup time way down. My folks think I've slaved away for this rich, restaurant-worthy dinner, but it's actually done in half an hour. The magic happens when those bold Cajun seasonings melt into the creamy sauce while your pasta bubbles away.

My Ultimate Cozy Dish

I stumbled on this dish during those insanely hectic weeks when I needed tasty but fast suppers. It's now our top pick for soul-warming food. The way the pasta drinks up all those zesty Cajun flavors while simmering in the sauce is amazing. There's a special kind of kitchen alchemy that happens when it all mingles in that one pot, creating the silkiest, most flavor-packed sauce you can imagine.

A close-up of creamy pasta with pieces of chicken, tomato, and chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Pin
A close-up of creamy pasta with pieces of chicken, tomato, and chopped parsley sprinkled on top. | chefmiarecipes.com

What You Need

  • Green Onions: These fresh toppers make your dish look fancy
  • Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and extra flavor depth
  • Yellow Onion: Brings just the right touch of sweetness
  • Cream Cheese: This makes your sauce incredibly velvety
  • Chicken Broth: Adds more taste than plain water would
  • Fire Roasted Tomatoes: They pack extra flavor, but standard diced ones work too
  • Cajun Spices: My custom blend with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and black pepper
  • Penne Pasta: Those little grooves trap all the tasty sauce
  • Chicken: Use boneless skinless breasts or thighs cut into small chunks

Common Recipe Questions

→ How spicy is it?

This uses just a bit of cayenne, so the heat is mild. Feel free to tweak the levels for more or less kick. Extra spice can always be added at the table.

→ Can I swap the pasta shape?

Sure! Try options like ziti, fusilli, or rotini. Just keep a similar cooking time and ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb.

→ What can I put instead of cream cheese?

You can switch it out for heavy cream or half-and-half. For something lighter, stir in some Greek yogurt once the heat is off.

→ Is this good to make ahead?

It’s best fresh, as the pasta soaks up sauce while sitting. If prepping in advance, add a little cream or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Seal leftovers in a container and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth for the best texture.

Cajun Chicken Creamy Meal

This easy dish combines soft chicken and pasta in a rich tomato sauce flavored with homemade Cajun spices. Ready in no time!

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Recipe Cuisine: Cajun

Recipe Yield: 4 Number of Servings (6 cups)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients You’ll Need

01 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
02 1/4 teaspoon salt.
03 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne.
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
05 1/2 teaspoon powder made from garlic.
06 1 tablespoon olive oil.
07 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.
08 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper.
09 1/2 teaspoon powder made from onion.
10 1 tablespoon butter.
11 1 pound chicken breasts, no bone or skin.
12 1 diced yellow onion.
13 8 ounces (about half a pound) penne pasta.
14 A 15-ounce can of roasted tomatoes, diced (with juices).
15 2 cups of chicken stock.
16 2 ounces of softened cream cheese.
17 3 green onions, thinly sliced.

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Stir together all the Cajun spice mix in a bowl.

Step 02

Dice the chicken into small pieces, then coat them with your spice mix.

Step 03

Melt butter together with olive oil in a big pan.

Step 04

Sauté your chicken until it turns golden brown.

Step 05

Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook for a couple of minutes until tender.

Step 06

Pour in the can of tomatoes (with juices), pasta, and chicken broth.

Step 07

Let it reach a boil, then cover the pan, lower heat, and let it cook gently for 10 minutes.

Step 08

Stir once in a while until the pasta's cooked through.

Step 09

Add cream cheese and stir until it blends in fully.

Step 10

Sprinkle green onions over the top before serving.

Extra Information

  1. A deep pan works well for this dish.
  2. Stir often to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Essential Tools

  • Large pan with a lid.
  • Small bowl for mixing.
  • A cutting board.

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Includes dairy (cream cheese, butter).
  • Contains wheat (from the pasta).

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 450
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 42 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams